Biochemical and cellular reaction of PVS paste polymers and latex following intratracheal instillation into rats.

Rats were given different doses (0.25-25 mg) of two forms of PVC past polymers and polystyrene by intratracheal instillation and monitored for cellular and biochemical changes in the lung lavage fluid and remaining lung tissue after 1 and 4 weeks of exposure. Changes were observed in free cell morphology, the level of pulmonary surfactant, and hydrolytic enzyme activities with all three compounds at high concentrations. Some differences in the extent of changes produced per given mass identified were noted with different formulations and the relationship between particle numbers, surface areas, and detergent coatings of samples is discussed. It is argued that PVC paste polymers and polystyrene cannot be considered totally biologically inert but that, in comparison with active cytoxic and inflammatory minerals such as chrysotile asbestos, the extent of their initial reaction in the lung is relatively weak.